Meet Sara, SELF’s Nutrition Newbie

I've never loved sitting in a classroom, but I've always loved learning, whether it's about art history, German, biology, basically anything really except for math. I'm always eager to find out about new things and I love communicating that knowledge to others. Along those lines, nutrition has always been somewhat of a complicated but fascinating topic, and despite working at SELF, it's something I need to get to know more about. So I decided to start 2014 on a mission -- a mission to find out the best tips for health eating, quick, easy recipes, cool new products, the latest scientific developments in the field and more -- courtesy of some of the country's best R.D.s

I’m the Nutrition Newbie, but you can call me Sara. To back up: I started working at SELF just over a year ago as the Assistant to our Editor-in-Chief, Lucy Danziger. And while I can make a mean Chicken Marsala, my cooking levels have seriously dwindled since moving to New York City, where take-out rules, fab restaurants are a dime-a-dozen, and late nights at the office are the norm — especially when we’re shipping a new issue.

So what’s a 20-something SELF editor who already has a vested interest in fitness to do with a limited budget and even more limited time? Learn aforementioned hot tips, put ‘em in to practice and of course, share them with you. After all, you guys know I love learning — and now, teaching.

To officially kick off my adventure into the land of calories and carbs, I sat down with registered dietician Stephanie Middleburg. Sitting in her NYC office, I immediately felt comfortable — she’s kinda like your super-healthy BFF that can make science-backed suggestions. So I figured I’d dive right in and ask the question almost always on everyone’s minds: How often should you really eat? How do you know what’s better for you — three square meals a day and snacks? No snacking between meals? Eating mini-meals throughout the day?

According to Middleberg, her clients find the most success when they consume three meals plus two snacks a day, eating about every three to five hours. Signs you need a snack — or haven’t eaten in too long — including trouble focusing, low energy and generally hangry behavior.

Try some of Middleberg’s favorite snacks (that are now some of mine too!):

Morning: Between breakfast and lunch, if you absolutely need it, a piece of fruit, 1/2 ounce nuts, or string cheese to tide you over.

Afternoon: Chia Pods are tasty, portable and portion controlled — it’s a total comfort food! For a salty craving, roasted chickpeas or veggies and a tablespoon of hummus are Middleberg’s picks.

Evening: I usually have a sweet tooth at night, so I’m diggin’ Diana’s Banana‘s, a chocolate dipped frozen banana, or 2 squares of extra dark chocolate. Middleberg’s suggestion to have a cup of tea before bedtime also keeps me from snacking more.

Check back for more of my favorite tips as I continue to seek out inspiring nutrition news that YOU need to know. Got questions you want answered? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet me at @SaraAngle22 and @SELFMagazine!